Passion For Revenge

Chloe Raymond clutched a photograph in her hand. In it, she and Dave Heather stood beneath the lemon trees of a vineyard, laughing, young and unbothered. His arms were wrapped around her waist. His smile was real, and she was afraid she would never see it again. Chloe stood on her balcony, leaning her body on the smooth marble railing as the wind gently moved her long dark brown hair as though it was a soft ribbon. Her dark eyes stared at the view, but her mind was somewhere else. Somewhere where love wasn’t so hard to find. A loud knock on her bedroom door broke her thoughts. She didn’t have to look because she already knew who it was. “Chloe,” her father said, his voice heavier than it had been in years. He walked in trying to stay calm, but the dark circles under his eyes and the deep lines on his face said what he wouldn’t… She turned slowly, hiding the photo behind her back. “Yes, Father?” He paused, swallowing hard. “We need to talk now.” Chloe followed him into the study, the place where her father had once ruled with quiet dignity. Books that had once inspired him were now covered in dust. Folders were stacked carelessly, some with bold red stamps that screamed FINAL NOTICE. He beckoned for her to sit. “I’ve tried everything, Chloe. I’ve reached out to banks, old partners, and government grants. No one’s willing to help. I’m losing everything.” She softened. “We’ll figure something out. I’ll work…” “No,” he said sternly, cutting her off. “It’s beyond that." It’s gone too far. I have no dominance left. No credit, no assets. Except… you.” Chloe blinked. “Me?” Mr. Raymond stood and moved toward the bar, pouring himself a small glass of wine. He didn’t meet her eyes as he spoke again. “Nick Manchester.” The name rang in her ears like a warning bell. “You know who he is,” her father continued. Billionaire investor. Ruthless negotiator. He’s been acquiring businesses across Europe. When I approached him, I didn’t expect a meeting, but he agreed.” She sat still, it felt like a storm was growing in her chest. “And what did he say?” "He will save the business, pay off the debt and give us back financial stability. But there’s one condition…” Chloe felt her heart beating so fast. “He wants to get married to you.” The words hit her hard. “No,” she said instantly, her voice breaking. “That’s crazy.” “It’s not a request,” he replied. "It’s an arrangement." "He was very clear and if I refuse, he’ll buy the debt from our creditors and bury us." Chloe felt the ground tilt beneath her feet. “You want to sell me off like I’m some… piece of cloth?” “I want to save our name!” he snapped, his voice breaking. “Everything I built will be gone". Everything your mother and I worked for. Gone, Chloe.” Tears immediately filled her eyes. “What about what I built? What about my life? My love?” "Dave can't help you now," he said calmly. Chloe stepped back, her heart beating fast. "You’re saying I have to marry a stranger just because you want to save your business?" “Not a stranger,” he said coldly. “Nick Manchester has had his eye on you for years, ever since that dreame conference that happened in dreamestone. He told me himself.” She remembered the conference. She wore a red satin dress that fit her body perfectly like it was made only for her and Nick was there standing tall, confident, with people around him. He spoke to her only once, but she still remembered how he looked at her. Like he already owned her. "I thought he was just being nice," she said in a quiet voice. “He wanted you back then,” Mr. Raymond said quietly. “And he wants you now, that’s why he’s offering it all. His money, his empire… everything. In exchange for you.” Chloe wrapped her arms around herself, like she was trying not to fall apart. The heat outside felt far away. “And if I say no?” “Then we lose it all. We’ll be completely bankrupt by the end of the quarter. We'll lose the house, the business, and we might probably face legal charges.” She took a shaky step back, toward the door. “You knew this would break me. And you still went along with it?” Mr. Raymond said nothing. That silence was her answer. The next day went by in a haze. Chloe’s father stayed busy with phone calls and meetings, while she drifted through the villa like a shadow. Every room reminded her of something. Her mother, who was gone now, the happy times they once had, and of Dave. Dave Heather, Her Dave. He had loved her before her family started losing their wealth. While she spent her summers in Paris and ate dinners with powerful people, he came to her with nothing but love. She had once promised to be his forever. But now, she had nothing left to offer. By the time the sun began to set, Chloe sat quietly in the garden, holding her phone tightly in her hand. Her thumb rested on Dave’s name. She had to tell him the truth and say goodbye. Her hands trembled as she pressed “call.” It rang once. Then twice. And then…. “Chloe?” His voice hadn’t changed. It was still warm and calm. “Dave…” she whispered. “I… I need to see you.” When Chloe saw him walking through the garden toward her, she felt like she might cry again. His dark blond hair was messy from the wind, and he wore simple, clean clothes. His brown eyes lit up when he saw her, but the smile faded when he noticed the tears on her face. “What happened?” he asked, his voice unsteady. “Chloe, are you alright?” She shook her head and said “No. It's nothing okay. They sat under the lemon tree, just like in the old photo she had hidden away. She told him everything, everything except the hardest truth. That she was being given away like she didn’t matter. Dave listened quietly, stunned. “I’m getting married,” she said at last. He stared at her, confused. “What?” “I have to. For my dad. For the company. For everything he’s worked for.” He stood up suddenly and started pacing. “That’s crazy! He can’t make you….” “He can,” she said, cutting him off. "And he already has. I don’t have a choice.” “What about us?” Dave asked with an almost red eye. “I’m sorry,” she said in a quiet voice, as more tears fell. “I never stopped loving you.” He took her hands and pulled her into a warm hug. “Then don’t do it, Chloe. Fight this, for our love.” But she couldn’t. Not when her father was counting on her. Not when everything was already in motion. “I’ll always love you,” she said. He kissed her. A slow, painful kiss full of sadness. “I’ll wait for you,” he whispered. She wished he wouldn’t. Later that night, Chloe sat quietly in front of her mirror, holding a letter from Nick’s lawyer. It was typed out clearly and sounded very official. The letter read as thus: Dear Miss Raymond, This is to let you know that your wedding to Mr. Nick Manchester is scheduled for Saturday, the 17th, at Palazzo di Mare in Amalfi. Included are your travel plans, legal papers, and the time for your dress fitting. Sincerely, Edwin Wolfe, Lawyer Chloe’s hands shook as she let the letter fall to the floor. The next morning, a luxurious black car stopped at the gate of the villa. A man in a neat black suit stepped out and handed Mr. Raymond an envelope stamped with gold. He took it inside and placed it quietly in front of Chloe, who was sitting at the table, barely eating her breakfast. “What is it now?” she asked, sounding tired. He didn’t say anything. He just stared at her with a blank and cold face. Chloe opened the envelope and froze. It was a wedding invitation. Her name was printed in shiny gold letters under the words: YOU ARE INVITED TO THE WEDDING CEREMONY OF CHLOE RAYMOND AND NICK MANCHESTER SATURDAY, 17TH – PALAZZO DI MARE, AMALFI COAST. Her hands shook. Then she noticed something else.... A small handwritten note inside. The writing was bold and sharp. "I always get what I want. See you soon, Mrs. Manchester." Nick